The night pressed on with an oppressive weight, the aftermath of the encounter lingering in the air. None of them spoke as they hurried through the dense forest, their breaths visible in the cool night air. Each step seemed to echo louder than it should, as though the world around them was amplifying their presence.
Kael led the way, his sword still unsheathed, its blade catching the faint moonlight. He glanced over his shoulder occasionally, ensuring the group stayed close. The encounter with the twisted creature had shaken them all, but there was no time to dwell on fear.
Liora kept the fragment clutched against her chest, its warmth a constant reminder of the power it contained. The runes had dulled to a faint glow, but she could still feel the energy thrumming beneath the surface, an unsettling rhythm that matched the pounding of her heart.
"Do you think it's following us?" Bryn asked, his voice low.
